Fidget Toys in the Writing Center: What's their purpose?

 Fidget Toys in the CWC: What's their purpose?

By: Aj Jensen

This year in the CWC a new basket popped up. What was it? Why was it here? We're the questions on my mind. Upon further inspection I noticed it was filled with fidget toys. This was a new edition this year and it has been well received by both consultants and writers alike. Its not uncommon to see someone in the writing center with a fidget in hand. Why was this addition made and what are its benefits? That was the primary focus of my research and the question I hope to answer today. 

The Child Advocacy Center of Lapeer County lists the main benefits of Fidget Toys as,

    1. Improved Focus

    2. Relaxation and Mindfulness

    3. Anxiety/Stress Relief 

    4. Sensory Stimulation

    5. Increased Productivity

These are all positives for a writer coming into the writing center. I am going to discuss each one and how they connect to the overall writing conference experience. 

Improved Focus

Writing conferences can be a lot for writers. They are discussing their personal works sometimes with a complete stranger and the new environment can throw off focus. Having something to fidget with to improve focus is really helpful for some writers, myself included. Having that improved focus can help make the conferences go better and improve the writers skills easier. 

Relaxation and Mindfulness

Writing Conferences can be stressful for many writers and consultants alike. Having a way to relax and be mindful can help the conference to go smoother. It can also open the door for easier reflection on the work itself improving both the writer and the consultant. 

Anxiety/Stress Relief

Coming into the writing center can seem daunting for many writers, and once they get here anxiety and stress can increase a lot making it difficult to work on the paper in front of them. Having fidget toys here for the purpose of relieving anxiety and stress can help a writer feel more comfortable during a writing center conference. 

Sensory Stimulation

This can help mainly Neurodivergent writers who have a hard time focusing without the extra sensory stimulation. Having this as an option for writers helps us to be more inclusive to the needs of our clients. This can create a more welcoming environment and allow us to help a wider range of people.  

Increased Productivity

Increased productivity is really helpful in a writing center setting. When the writer and consultant are both productive it can make a writers paper exponentially better. Increased productivity leads to a better conference overall where both the consultant and writer can walk away from the conference feeling great. 

I think overall fidget toys are a great addition to the CWC it helps both the writer and the consultant to have a successful conference. It also helps to add to the welcoming and inclusive environment we strive to maintain in the CWC.